SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Review: Best Headphones for PS5 and More

Experience immersive sound and supreme comfort with SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, the ultimate gaming headset for PS5 and multiple platforms.

Introducing SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless

SteelSeries has expanded its gaming headset lineup with the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, the wireless successor to their popular wired model. This headset now comes packed with the Arctis app, offering users the ability to switch between over 200 EQ presets crafted specifically for individual games, enhancing your gaming immersion like never before.

Designed for comfort and versatility, the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless features memory foam ear cushions and an elastic headband. It also includes a detachable boom microphone that delivers loud, clear voice communication. Plus, it’s compatible with a broad range of consoles including the Nintendo Switch 2, making it quite possibly the only headset you'll ever need for your entire gaming setup.

Wondering if it's one of the best wireless gaming headsets out there? Let’s dive into my full review of the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless to find out.

Quick Overview of SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless

• What is it: Wireless gaming headset, successor and upgrade to the wired SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3
• Who it’s for: Gamers seeking immersive and comfortable sound
• Price: Approximately $109
• Likes: Exceptional comfort, broad console compatibility, immersive audio, over 200 game-specific EQ presets, loud & clear microphone
• Dislikes: Multipoint connectivity limitations, the plastic build feels a bit cheap

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless Specifications

Why We Love the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless

From plush memory foam ear cups and multi-platform support to the ability to craft immersive soundscapes, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is, dare I say it, a real gem.

Exceptional Comfort

When it comes to gaming headsets, comfort is king—because who wants aching ears after marathon sessions? The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless nails this with a featherlight weight of just 0.23 kg, lighter than competitors like the Arctis Nova 5 ($129, 0.26 kg), Cherry XTRFY H3 ($99, 0.32 kg), and Asus ROG Pelta ($129, 0.31 kg).

Its ear cushions are made from SteelSeries’ “AirWeave” memory foam, which I personally prefer over leather or faux leather because these cushions breathe better, keep your ears cool, and prevent sweat buildup. Plus, the ear cups swivel fully flat for easy transport.

The elastic headband underneath the plastic shell is adjustable in three levels, relieving pressure on the top of your head for an ultra-comfy fit. It even doubles as a hairband, keeping your locks neatly away from your face during intense gaming moments.

I wore these for a solid six-hour gaming binge, and not once did discomfort rear its ugly head. In terms of comfort, it stands toe-to-toe with pricier models like the Arctis Nova 5 and ROG Pelta.

Multi-Platform Compatibility

Much like its big brother, the Arctis Nova 5, this headset works with nearly every console you can think of. There are two main versions: the Arctis Nova 3X designed for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One, and the Arctis Nova 3P tailored for PS5 and PS4.

Whichever you pick, it’s also compatible with Nintendo Switch 2, original Nintendo Switch, Windows 10/11, macOS, iOS, Android, and Meta Quest 2 and 3. It's literally the one headset to rule them all in your gaming kingdom.

I personally tested the Arctis Nova 3P on my original Switch, Switch 2, MacBook Pro M1, and PS5 Slim — and it performed flawlessly across the board.

Robust Companion App

I fell in love with the SteelSeries Arctis app when I first tried the Arctis Nova 5. It’s user-friendly, offers a sleek interface, and lets you tweak the equalizer down to the minutest detail.

The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless taps into the same app, unlocking hundreds of presets tailored for popular titles like Mario Kart World, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, among others.

Not every preset drastically changes the sound — for example, FPS presets like for Call of Duty mainly boost gunfire volume slightly. But in stealth-based games where footsteps can make or break your strategy, the difference between flat and game-specific presets is crystal clear. The ones I tested truly enhanced gameplay immersion.

Immersive, High-Quality Sound

Want to feel like the hero of your game? The Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is your ally. It sports 40mm neodymium drivers with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 22 kHz, capturing both subtle whispers and booming explosions with clarity. These are the same drivers used in the Arctis Nova 5, so you're getting premier performance.

360-degree spatial audio is supported, allowing sound to come from all directions. It's fully compatible with PS5's Tempest 3D Audio and Xbox’s Microsoft Spatial Sound, configurable in your console settings.

I played several games on my PS5 Slim, original Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2, and the headset never failed to deliver immersive and detailed soundscapes.

Game Preset Highlights

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is one of my favorite and arguably the best in the franchise. Naturally, I had to try its custom preset. It performed brilliantly, making footsteps stand out clearly even amidst heavy rain infiltrating a castle. You could distinctly hear surikens slicing through the air and land silently, katana swings, and even subtle differences between the heavy steps of Yasuke and lighter ones of Naoe.

Mario Kart World

With the flat preset, Mario Kart sounded typical. But switching to the Mario Kart World preset enriched the audio — tire screeches on gravel became punchier, and the soundtrack exploded with vibrant bass tones. I could even pick out low bass notes that smaller headsets like the Turtle Beach Airlite Fit missed.

The 360-degree audio let me hear NPCs approaching from every angle, helping me toss shells and boomerangs with pinpoint accuracy without even glancing behind, making races even more thrilling.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

One of the greatest games of all time, ToTK, also has its own preset here, along with one for Breath of the Wild. Activating either adds distinct sound features to the sequel. The hoofbeats of your trusty steed on Hyrule’s lush fields and the splashing water sounds are crystal clear and blend seamlessly with the ambient soundtrack, pulling you deeper into the world.

Loud and Clear Microphone

A good mic is non-negotiable, and the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless comes through loud and clear. It sports a detachable bidirectional mic with noise cancellation, frequency range of 100 Hz to 10 kHz, working flawlessly.

Here are sample audio clips of voice recordings using the mic (background noise removed, then with TV show noise):

• Clear voice clip without background noise
• Voice clip with background audio playing

The mic picks up sound from the front and back while blocking side noises. Even with a TV playing at 75% volume, my voice stayed distinct and loud — perfect for gaming chats.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless: Cons

There aren’t many downsides, but here are the main ones to consider:

Multipoint Connectivity Limits

The headset supports multipoint connection with a catch. When using the included 2.4 GHz dongle plugged into your console, you can connect simultaneously to your smartphone via Bluetooth and listen to both sources.

However, this does not apply to the Nintendo Switch or Switch 2, likely due to hardware limitations. It worked perfectly on my PS5 Slim but not on the Nintendo portable consoles. Also, you cannot pair two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, something to keep in mind.

Feels Too Plastic

While I appreciate the minimalist design, the headset feels somewhat cheap because of its all-plastic construction. For $109, I expect a more premium feel. The Cherry XTRFY H3, priced similarly, never gave off a less-than-premium impression.

Final Verdict on SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless is one of the best gaming headsets I’ve used. It’s incredibly comfortable, with breathable memory foam ear cushions perfect for long gaming sessions. Its 40mm drivers and extensive library of over 200 game-specific EQ presets make games come alive with sound.

The detachable boom mic delivers crystal-clear voice quality, and its compatibility with virtually every major console means this could be the only headset you’ll ever need. The plastic build and Bluetooth pairing limitations hold it back slightly, but overall, it’s a powerhouse that will elevate your gaming experience.

"After using the Arctis Nova 3 Wireless, real life just feels a bit dull in comparison."

Frequently Asked Questions

• How comfortable is the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless for long gaming sessions?
  The headset is extremely comfortable with lightweight design (0.23 kg), memory foam cushions, and an elastic adjustable headband that relieves pressure for hours of wear.
• Which platforms are compatible with this headset?
  It supports PC, macOS, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, iOS, Android, and Meta Quest 2/3.
• Can I use the headset with two devices at once?
  Yes, but only via 2.4 GHz dongle plus Bluetooth on consoles like PS5. Multipoint Bluetooth pairing with two Bluetooth devices is not supported, and this feature doesn’t work with Nintendo Switch.
• Does the Arctis app improve sound quality?
  Absolutely! It offers over 200 game-specific EQ presets that enhance immersion, particularly in stealth and sound-focused games.
• How good is the microphone quality?
  The detachable bidirectional mic with noise cancellation delivers clear and loud voice communication, easily isolating your voice from background noise.

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